Cardizem LA is a drug that is used to treat chest pain and control high blood pressure. This eMedTV segment explains what you should know before using Cardizem LA, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists side effects that may occur.
Common Cardizem LA side effects may include sinus congestion, rash, and fatigue. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other possible side effects of the drug, including potentially serious ones that should be reported to a doctor right away.
Depression is a potential side effect of Cardizem LA. This eMedTV page offers a more in-depth look at Cardizem LA and depression, including information on how common this side effect is and what your doctor may recommend if depression does occur.
It is possible to experience a dry mouth while taking Cardizem LA. This segment from the eMedTV archives discusses the link between Cardizem LA and dry mouth in more detail and provides a list of suggestions that may provide relief.
In clinical studies, impotence was reported in less than 1 percent of men taking Cardizem LA. This eMedTV article offers more information on Cardizem LA and impotence, and describes the treatment options your doctor may recommend if impotence occurs.
For those taking Cardizem LA, weight gain is a possible side effect. This page from the eMedTV Web site explains how many people gained weight while taking Cardizem LA in clinical studies and offers suggestions for helping with weight loss.
Cardizem LA is used for relieving chest pain and lowering blood pressure. This eMedTV Web page discusses these Cardizem LA uses in more detail, explains whether the drug is approved for children, and also lists off-label uses of the medication.
The usual starting Cardizem LA dose for treating chest pain is 180 mg once daily. This part of the eMedTV archives also provides Cardizem LA dosing recommendations for the treatment of high blood pressure and offers tips for those taking the drug.
Buspirone, rifampin, and quinidine are some of the drugs that may interact with Cardizem LA. This eMedTV article provides a more detailed list of medicines that may cause negative Cardizem drug interactions and describes the potential effects.
Cardizem LA can decrease the heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with an arrhythmia. This eMedTV article describes other side effects that may occur with Cardizem LA. Warnings and precautions on who should not use the drug are also listed.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting are possible signs of a Cardizem LA overdose. This eMedTV Web page describes the effects that may occur as a result of an overdose of Cardizem LA. The treatment options available are also listed.
At this time, it is not known whether using Cardizem LA during pregnancy is safe for the fetus. This eMedTV page offers more information on Cardizem LA and pregnancy, and describes the potential problems that may occur to a fetus exposed to the drug.
It may not be safe for women to breastfeed while taking Cardizem LA. This eMedTV article contains more information on Cardizem LA and breastfeeding, and explains whether the medication passes through breast milk in humans.
Cardizem LA is not available in generic form at this time. This article from the eMedTV Web site further discusses when generic Cardizem LA could become available and briefly explains the difference between Cardizem LA and other diltiazem products.
